Chris Boes, a Western Michigan University student who inspired many by tenaciously pursuing his degree while battling cancer, died Wednesday, March 5, 2014.

Boes, 28, of North Muskegon, fought brain cancer for almost five years. After his diagnosis in 2009, his No. 1 goal was to complete his studies so he could graduate from college with a political science degree.

As he closed in on his goal at the end of last semester, his health took a turn for the worse. On a snowy evening Nov. 25, WMU held a private graduation ceremony for him that included all the pomp and circumstance of a traditional ceremony - a brass band, representation by university dignitaries and nearly all the professors who had taught him.

Asked for the secret of his perseverance, amid countless treatments in Muskegon and at Duke University in North Carolina, Boes gave a simple answer: "I like to finish something I start."

Chris Boes, center, poses with Wings of Mercy Pilots George Schraft and Steve Bloucher after they flew him from Muskegon to North Carolina and back in one day for treatment in December 2011.
Katy Batdorff | MLive.com

"We are thankful for Christopher - that we have a student like him,” said Kevin Knutson, WMU's director of advising.

An MLive story about the graduation ceremony evoked many comments from readers who were inspired by Boes' determination and perseverance. MLive's Grand Rapids readers voted it the "most inspiring story of 2013."

In a CarePages journal, Boes family described him as a fighter - "one who defies the odds, one who has never given up easily."

When it became clear that no more treatments were available that could defeat his cancer, however, his family said he accepted the news with "courage and grace, true to form of what his life was all about."

Boes was born to Jim and Debra Boes in 1985. He was an Eagle Scout and was active in Community United Methodist Church in North Muskegon.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Matt (Sarah); sister, Kelli; grandmothers, Ardis Bos and Shirley Boes of Muskegon; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends.

The funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Community United Methodist Churc, and the visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday at The Lee Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 6291 S. Harvey St.